List the five aspects of the QUEST and then apply them to something you have read (or viewed) in the form used on pages 3-5.
The Five Aspects:
- A quester
- A place to go
- A stated reason to go there
- Challenges and trials
- The real reason to go
- Quester: Anton Chigurh
- A place to go: Anywhere the money goes. He is tracking the money and, inadvertently, Llewelyn, so he pretty much goes where Llewelyn goes.
- A stated reason to go there: He is tracking down the money he believes to be rightfully his.
- Challenges and Trials: Many people stand in Chigurh's way, and these are his trials in a sense. He must remove everyone from the path to what is rightfully his. He is challenged by the attitudes of some, but ultimately does whatever he has to do to get his money.
- The real reason to go: Chigurh believes that the money is rightfully his and he has been wronged by everyone that has stepped in his way. Thus, he must deliver justice to those who have wronged him. This is his real reason for going on his quest.
- Quester: Charlie
- A place to go: Forward. Charlie is stuck in the middle of a horrible life and has nowhere to go but forward, to discover what life is really about, who he really is, and to get help along the way.
- A stated reason to go there: He wants to participate in life, and is urged to do so by his teacher.
- Challenges and Trials: Charlie is haunted by visions of his late Aunt Helen and her death, the death of his best friend, and losing his friends at certain points in the novel.
- The real reason to go: Self-knowledge. Charlie must find himself and figure out who he is to move forward with his life.
Choose a meal from a literary work and apply the ideas of Chapter 2 to this literary depiction.
Looking for Alaska
In Looking for Alaska, the Colonel's mother invites Pudge and Alaska to have Thanksgiving dinner at their home, a trailer. Once they arrive at the trailer and get to know more about the Colonel and who his mother is, they suddenly understand everything. Where the Colonel comes from tells everything they needed to know about him. This communion scene gives a deep look into the character of the Colonel and explains why he is the way he is; he comes from pretty much nothing so he resents those that have everything handed to them. This scene is vital to the novel because without it, there would be no way for the audience to begin to understand the character.
Chapter 3: --Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires
What are the essentials of the Vampire story? Apply this to a literary work you have read or viewed.
The Essentials:
- An older figure representing corrupt, outworn values
- A young, preferably virginal, female
- A stripping away of her youth, energy, virtue
- A continuance of the life force of the old male
- The death or destruction of the young woman
- Older figure: George Harvey, the neighbor of the main character. He lures her into his underground den and murders her.
- Young female: Susie Salmon, the 14 year old girl who is murdered by her neighbor after falling prey to his smooth talking.
- Stripping away: Susie's murder strips away her youth, energy, and virtue all at once.
- Continuance: George's life continues on until his demise at the end of the film.
- Death/Destruction: Came early on in the movie when Susie was murdered but really hit home toward the end when her destruction impacted her family and their struggle to heal with her being gone.
- Older figure: The witch/the "Other Mother" (though she isn't a man, she is a perfect vampire symbol)
- Young female: Coraline
- Stripping away: The Other Mother tricks Coraline into becoming trapped in the other world where she drains her youth and energy, as she did to three other children.
- Continuance: The Other Mother becomes more powerful as she feeds off of Coraline's soul/energy.
- Destruction: Coraline's destruction comes in the form of destroying her link to the other world in the walls of her home, which effectively destroys the beliefs she held about her real mother and her real life/real family.
- Older figure: (Not really much older, but...) Michael Realm, an undercover handler who tricks Sloane into believing he is helping her.
- Young girl: Sloane, a girl who develops depression and is tricked by the seemingly perfect Realm, who is really feeding off of her pain.
- Stripping away: Realm is "feeding" off of Sloane's pain and tricking her into having her memories erased and falling in love with him, which takes every ounce of her dignity away over time.
- Continuance: Realm's life continues on as normal, aside from the fact that Sloane is continually placed on higher medications and her memories are erased one by one.
- Destruction: Sloane's memories are ultimately erased, destroying who she once was and leaving a blank slate in her place.
Define intertextuality. Discuss three examples that have helped you in reading specific works.
Intertextuality: Works of literature draw inspiration from pre-existing works - there is no such things as a wholly original work of literature. Everything is based off of something.
- The Bible: Everything seems to relate back to the Bible in some way. Though I've never read it entirely, I'm familiar with many of the stories and can see connections in many things I've read this year, like in The Lame Shall Enter First. I can make biblical connections in many of the stories/novels I read.
- Shakespeare: Everything seems to relate back to Shakespeare, as well. Even if you don't know of Shakespeare, you've surely heard of his writing or are at least somewhat familiar with it, as variations of it are very popular in modern literature. (Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, etc.)
- Dracula: As cheesy as it may sound, Bram Stoker's Dracula set the precursor for vampire novels and set the bar for where they would be, and many future ones were - and still are - based off of this novel.
Chapter 6 -- When in Doubt, It’s from Shakespeare...
Discuss a work that you are familiar with that alludes to or reflects Shakespeare. Show how the author uses this connection thematically. Read pages 44-46 carefully. In these pages, Foster shows how Fugard reflects Shakespeare through both plot and theme. In your discussion, focus on theme.
Discuss a work that you are familiar with that alludes to or reflects Shakespeare. Show how the author uses this connection thematically. Read pages 44-46 carefully. In these pages, Foster shows how Fugard reflects Shakespeare through both plot and theme. In your discussion, focus on theme.
10 Things I Hate About You
One work that I'm familiar with that alludes back to Shakespeare is the 1999 movie, 10 Things I Hate About You. From the very beginning of the movie, it is apparent that it is meant to mirror The Taming of the Shrew, within a more modern setting. The characters name almost exactly mirror the main characters in Taming - Katarina is parallel to Katherine, the shrew, and Patrick is parallel to Petruccio, the tamer.
The entire movie plot follows the plot of the play, and places it in a modern setting and takes out the Old English vocabulary. The ultimate theme of the play is transformation; nearly all the characters undergo some sort of change, but the most vital change occurs in Katherine - she is transformed completely and is taken from her ways of being a "shrew" and placed in the role of a loving wife, which she adapts to well. While the theme of 10 Things is exactly the same, it plays out with some minor variations.
In 10 Things I Hate About You, high school student Kat is courted by Patrick, who is a rebellious young man after her heart. Ultimately, he wins her affection and Kat is transformed into a social butterfly (for lack of a better word), and is no longer an anti-social "shrew". This parallels the theme of the play it was based on; transformation changes everyone, and most times it's for the better.
Chapter 7 -- ...Or the Bible
Discuss 3 Biblical allusions that appear in a film, short story, or novel other than "The Lame Shall Enter First." Be creative and imaginative in these connections.
Discuss 3 Biblical allusions that appear in a film, short story, or novel other than "The Lame Shall Enter First." Be creative and imaginative in these connections.
The Lion King
- Simba is symbolic of Moses; both are wrongly accused of murder and are exiled, then receive instruction from God or some greater power to return to their homelands and eventually free their people.
- The jealous Scar hates the new king, which parallels Satan and his hatred of God.
- King Mufasa dies to save his son, which parallels Jesus dying to save the sinners.
- "He lives in you, look inside yourself" is a line spoken by Rafiki, which parallels the fact that Christ lives in all of us.
Chapter 8 -- Hanseldee and Greteldum
Think of a work of literature that reflects a fairy tale. Discuss the parallels. Does it create irony or deepen appreciation?
Think of a work of literature that reflects a fairy tale. Discuss the parallels. Does it create irony or deepen appreciation?
The Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast
One work that I can think of that reflects a fairy tale is The Phantom of the Opera. This story closely resembles the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, in many ways. In both stories, there are men with imperfections, which makes them "hideous creatures". Both men are enraged by ridicule, prompting the townspeople to be afraid of them. In both stories the men hide away from society and keep to themselves. The Phantom falls in love with a beautiful girl named Christine, while the beast falls in love with Belle, both of which seem unattainable.
Surprisingly, neither of the girls is afraid of either man. In the end, both Belle and Christine open the Beast and Phantom's eyes to love. Christine kisses the beast to prove that she cares, and that he is not hideous. Belle kisses the Beast to prove her affection, at which point he is transformed back into a human. Though the stories don't end the same, both send a message that even the coldest heart can be warmed with love, and that deepens the appreciation for such stories because they can be realistic and heartwarming.
Chapter 9 -- It’s Greek to Me
Write a free verse poem derived or inspired by characters or situations from Greek mythology. Be prepared to share your poem with the class.
Write a free verse poem derived or inspired by characters or situations from Greek mythology. Be prepared to share your poem with the class.
Persephone
Her beauty could be easily seen,
But who could possibly see
What in reality lies within.
And the memory of her could be
A sour tear on Demeter’s cheek,
For the girl had been gone
In Hades’ arms all along.
The pain she feels
Reflected on the Earth,
As she forbids the beauty from blooming.
And against her will,
And against her will,
She sings in pure melancholy,
For a song that can be heard,
Only by those that are dead.
Chapter 10 -- It’s More Than Just Rain or Snow
Discuss the importance of weather in a specific literary work, not in terms of plot.
Discuss the importance of weather in a specific literary work, not in terms of plot.
- In literature, weather is a key element in telling the story or reinforcing emotions or what is happening throughout the story. Weather is symbolic of many things, and it usually shows characters' moods or feelings. In The Lion King, the weather underscores what is happening in the storyline of the movie. When Scar is king, the land is filled with drought, famine, and death (symbolizing Scar's evilness, also), which is the opposite of the bountiful, beautiful lands they had when Mufasa was still alive. Once Simba defeats scar and takes his place as king, the situation reverses itself once again. Things begin to look better and the land returns to its previous state.
- In The Grapes of Wrath, the weather tells the story of the Joad family. When it starts to flood, the rain and earth mix together and the water rises, it is unclear, murky, and unlikable. No one in California liked the Joads because they didn’t know what the Joad family would bring. But like the rain, the Joads had no choice but to fall into the pool with everyone else, and also like the rain it is a continuing cycle that the Joads are already too used to. Originally California was an escape for the Joads, but once again the elements rise to extremes like they did with the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma, and the Joads are trapped in a never ending cycle of repeating horrific and saddening events.
Interlude -- Does He Mean That
Chapter 11 --...More Than It’s Gonna Hurt You: Concerning Violence
Present examples of the two kinds of violence found in literature. Show how the effects are different.
Present examples of the two kinds of violence found in literature. Show how the effects are different.
The two kinds of violence that are used in literature are:
1) the
violence that a character inflicts upon himself or another character
2) when the auhor uses violence on a character only to make an
advancement in their story.
An example of the first type of violence is
in Harry Potter when Voldemort kills Harry's parents, and tries to kill him as well. Voldemort is inflicting this violence onto Harry. This makes Voldemort out to be evil, and furthers the plot with the fight between good - Harry - and evil - Voldemort.
The Avengers also contains a large amount of character inflicted violence in the movie, which furthers the plot and shows the struggle between good and evil.
An example of the second type of violence is in the
novel, New Moon, where Harry Clearwater dies from a heart attack. His
death shows no significance to the story, except to push the plot along and lead to confusion when Edward mistakenly believes Bella has died. Thus he goes to the Volturi to have himself offed.
Chapter 12 -- Is That a Symbol?
Use the process described on page 106 and investigate the symbolism in something we have read this year (short story or novel).
The Lame Shall Enter First
Use the process described on page 106 and investigate the symbolism in something we have read this year (short story or novel).
The Lame Shall Enter First
- The telescope: What is the significance of the telescope? What does it have to do with anything in the story? Once reading the story, the answer is obvious. Norton's obsession with the stars and finding his way to outer space is symbolic of what is going to occur in the story. Ultimately, Norton commits suicide and begins his movement into the stars and space.
- Sheppard: Who is he? Why is he important to the story? It's really obvious after having read the story. Sheppard is symbolic of the Bible, a Christ figure that sacrifices himself and everything he has to save Rufus.
- Rufus: Why is he important to the story? He is symbolic of the devil. He makes his way into Sheppard's life and tears it to shreds, effectively taking everything from him - including pushing his son to commit suicide.
- Rufus's club foot: Is it important? It's highly important, as it symbolizes Rufus's own personal shortcomings, i.e. being abused, becoming a problem child, ruining someone else's life, etc.
Chapter 13 -- It’s All Political
Assume that Foster is right and “it is all political.” Use his criteria to show that one of the major works assigned to you this year is political.
Assume that Foster is right and “it is all political.” Use his criteria to show that one of the major works assigned to you this year is political.
Politically speaking, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a perfect specimen of political writing. The story is based in the 1990s, and contains many elements that were actually happening in the 90s. The stigma around high school and how much it sucks is true, and Chbosky's own opinions find their way into Charlie's thoughts and writings. The book reflects the happenings and teen culture at the time the novel takes place; in other words, all of the sex and drugs is politically correct for that age group at that time frame.
Chapter 14 -- Yes, She’s a Christ Figure, Too
Apply the criteria on page 119 to a major character in a significant literary work. Try to choose a character that will have many matches. This is a particularly apt tool for analyzing film -- for example, Star Wars, Cool Hand Luke, Excalibur, Malcolm X, Braveheart, Spartacus, Gladiator and Ben-Hur.
Apply the criteria on page 119 to a major character in a significant literary work. Try to choose a character that will have many matches. This is a particularly apt tool for analyzing film -- for example, Star Wars, Cool Hand Luke, Excalibur, Malcolm X, Braveheart, Spartacus, Gladiator and Ben-Hur.
In The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf the Grey is a Christ figure.
- He entertains children with tricks, meaning he is good with children.
- He sacrifices himself for his fellowship.
- Gandalf calls on help from higher powers to help save his fellowship.
- He defeats death and is resurrected.
Chapter 15 -- Flights of Fancy
Select a literary work in which flight signifies escape or freedom. Explain in detail.
Select a literary work in which flight signifies escape or freedom. Explain in detail.
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry uses flight to escape. In the mortal world, Harry and his friends are ridiculed and mocked and made to feel ashamed of who and what they are, especially Harry. When Platform Nine and Three Quarters is sealed and they are trapped in the mortal world, they quickly find a way back to the wizard world - via flying car. This flight symbolizes Harry's escape from the pain and shame he feels in the mortal realm back to what he considers his true home.
Chapter 16 -- It’s All About Sex...
Chapter 17 -- ...Except the Sex
OK ..the sex chapters. The key idea from this chapter is that “scenes in which sex is coded rather than explicit can work at multiple levels and sometimes be more intense that literal depictions” (141). In other words, sex is often suggested with much more art and effort than it is described, and, if the author is doing his job, it reflects and creates theme or character. Choose a novel or movie in which sex is suggested, but not described, and discuss how the relationship is suggested and how this implication affects the theme or develops characterization.
In Breaking Dawn, Edward and Bella have sex on their wedding night, which isn't specifically written or explained in the slightest. Their relationship flourishes after this for many reasons; first of all, Bella becomes pregnant with a half vampire half human child, which puts her life in danger, prompting Edward to be even more protective of her. Bella's character grows tremendously in this time. She goes from being selfish and self-oriented to actually caring about the child growing inside of her and learns to love it. She effectively transitions from a cliche outcast teenager to a mother in a mere few chapters.
Chapter 16 -- It’s All About Sex...
Chapter 17 -- ...Except the Sex
OK ..the sex chapters. The key idea from this chapter is that “scenes in which sex is coded rather than explicit can work at multiple levels and sometimes be more intense that literal depictions” (141). In other words, sex is often suggested with much more art and effort than it is described, and, if the author is doing his job, it reflects and creates theme or character. Choose a novel or movie in which sex is suggested, but not described, and discuss how the relationship is suggested and how this implication affects the theme or develops characterization.
In Breaking Dawn, Edward and Bella have sex on their wedding night, which isn't specifically written or explained in the slightest. Their relationship flourishes after this for many reasons; first of all, Bella becomes pregnant with a half vampire half human child, which puts her life in danger, prompting Edward to be even more protective of her. Bella's character grows tremendously in this time. She goes from being selfish and self-oriented to actually caring about the child growing inside of her and learns to love it. She effectively transitions from a cliche outcast teenager to a mother in a mere few chapters.
Chapter 18 -- If She Comes Up, It’s Baptism
Think of a “baptism scene” from a significant literary work. How was the character different after the experience? Discuss.
Think of a “baptism scene” from a significant literary work. How was the character different after the experience? Discuss.
In The Program, Sloane is a deeply depressed girl whom everything has been taken from. Her brother committed suicide, and her boyfriend got himself sent away to the program that strips away depression and, coincidentally, every single memory an infected person has. Fearing the worst and reaching her breaking point, Sloane goes to the river her brother died in and attempts to kill herself. She, however, can't go through with it and she exits the water she is an entirely different person. She is now determined to find out what is happening around her and get her boyfriend back. Sloane is essentially "reborn".
Chapter 19 -- Geography Matters...
Discuss at least four different aspects of a specific literary work that Foster would classify under “geography.”
In Hush, Hush, the main character Nora lives in the middle of nowhere (isolation), in a small town, in a dreary marsh area with an eerie feel. She falls for a fallen angel called Patch, whose personality is reflected by the aspects of the place Nora lives in. Patch is a dark, eerie, desolate boy who likes to keep Nora all to himself - his mission is to kill her, after all. The geography of Nora's home is reflected perfectly in Patch and his characterization.
Discuss at least four different aspects of a specific literary work that Foster would classify under “geography.”
In Hush, Hush, the main character Nora lives in the middle of nowhere (isolation), in a small town, in a dreary marsh area with an eerie feel. She falls for a fallen angel called Patch, whose personality is reflected by the aspects of the place Nora lives in. Patch is a dark, eerie, desolate boy who likes to keep Nora all to himself - his mission is to kill her, after all. The geography of Nora's home is reflected perfectly in Patch and his characterization.
Chapter 20 -- ...So Does Season
Find a poem that mentions a specific season. Then discuss how the poet uses the season in a meaningful, traditional, or unusual way. (Submit a copy of the poem with your analysis.)
In Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day by William Shakespeare, Shakespeare is comparing the woman he loves to a summer's day. Summer is a season of love and happiness, which is apparent in this poem. He mentions the beauty of a summer's day then points out that this woman is more beautiful, which makes the poem more meaningful. He also says that their love will not die or end, like summer does, which effectively shows that he really does love this woman. He used the season of summer to beautifully and effectively express his love of this woman.
Find a poem that mentions a specific season. Then discuss how the poet uses the season in a meaningful, traditional, or unusual way. (Submit a copy of the poem with your analysis.)
In Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day by William Shakespeare, Shakespeare is comparing the woman he loves to a summer's day. Summer is a season of love and happiness, which is apparent in this poem. He mentions the beauty of a summer's day then points out that this woman is more beautiful, which makes the poem more meaningful. He also says that their love will not die or end, like summer does, which effectively shows that he really does love this woman. He used the season of summer to beautifully and effectively express his love of this woman.
Interlude -- One Story
Write your own definition for archetype. Then identify an archetypal story and apply it to a literary work with which you are familiar.
An archetype is a person, concept, idea, or situation that has been copied/emulated many times and has thus become easily recognized. A story that contains several archetypes would be Shrek, and more specifically, it contains the damsel in distress. In this case, Fiona is the damsel in distress. She is a princess, locked away in a tower surrounded by lava to ensure she never escapes. It is Shrek's job to rescue her, much like the handsome prince charming in every other princess fairytale. Ironically enough, there's even a curse on Fiona that can only be lifted by true love's kiss. Fiona is a walking archetype.
Write your own definition for archetype. Then identify an archetypal story and apply it to a literary work with which you are familiar.
An archetype is a person, concept, idea, or situation that has been copied/emulated many times and has thus become easily recognized. A story that contains several archetypes would be Shrek, and more specifically, it contains the damsel in distress. In this case, Fiona is the damsel in distress. She is a princess, locked away in a tower surrounded by lava to ensure she never escapes. It is Shrek's job to rescue her, much like the handsome prince charming in every other princess fairytale. Ironically enough, there's even a curse on Fiona that can only be lifted by true love's kiss. Fiona is a walking archetype.
Chapter 21 -- Marked for Greatness
Figure out Harry Potter’s scar. If you aren’t familiar with Harry Potter, select another character with a physical imperfection and analyze its implications for characterization.
A character marked with a special scar/mark or physical implication usually hints that the character is going to accomplish something great. It also shows that the character is different; Harry Potter is marked with a lightning bolt shaped scar, which he received when his mother sacrificed her life to save him and Voldemort's attack didn't phase him. Naturally, I would think his life is already different than everyone else's. Since his life was saved, Harry is now out to save others' lives to kind of return the favor.
Figure out Harry Potter’s scar. If you aren’t familiar with Harry Potter, select another character with a physical imperfection and analyze its implications for characterization.
A character marked with a special scar/mark or physical implication usually hints that the character is going to accomplish something great. It also shows that the character is different; Harry Potter is marked with a lightning bolt shaped scar, which he received when his mother sacrificed her life to save him and Voldemort's attack didn't phase him. Naturally, I would think his life is already different than everyone else's. Since his life was saved, Harry is now out to save others' lives to kind of return the favor.
Harry had many struggles to face such as battling evil to save the world. In addition to his uniqueness, Harry had many problems to deal with. Because of his scar, he was seen as a different person - a weird person. People acted like he had the plague or something. Aside from that, he is one of the strongest - if not the strongest - student wizard in the school and one of the most stressed. He had to work harder than many others to achieve the things he does. His scar is the mark of a hero; it made him a stronger person because it filled his live with struggles, and marked him with a destiny greater than anyone could ever imagine.
Chapter 22 -- He’s Blind for a Reason, You Know
Chapter 23 -- It’s Never Just Heart Disease...
Chapter 24 -- ...And Rarely Just Illness
Recall two characters who died of a disease in a literary work. Consider how these deaths reflect the “principles governing the use of disease in literature” (215-217). Discuss the effectiveness of the death as related to plot, theme, or symbolism.
In Twilight, Edward becomes a vampire at the height of the Spanish Influenza outbreak of 1918. Edward and his parents were all infected and suffered as they faced the fact that they were all slowly dying. We aren't bothered by such things with today's technology, but the audience will automatically feel bad for those who had no choice but to fight for their lives with what little was available to help them back then. This takes care of Foster’s first principle, that not all diseases are created equal. Since Meyer gives vivid descriptions of them being pale, sickly, and ghostly looking, it is also picturesque. The origins of the disease are mysterious because of the fact that nobody really knew where the infection came from. These three only apply to the deaths of Edward’s parents. However, though the reason why Edward and his family get the disease and the deaths of his family are simply to work with the plot, it is also symbolic of Edward's transformation into a vampire. After being infected, nearly dying, and being turned into a vampire, Edward is doomed to a life of loneliness, instinct to constantly kill, insatiable blood lust, and believing that vampires don't even have an afterlife to look forward to.
Chapter 25 -- Don’t Read with Your Eyes After reading Chapter 25, choose a scene or episode from a novel, play or epic written before the twentieth century. Contrast how it could be viewed by a reader from the twenty-first century with how it might be viewed by a contemporary reader. Focus on specific assumptions that the author makes, assumptions that would not make it in this century.
In The Black Cat, a man who loves animals ends up killing his own wife and attempts to kill his pet cat. At the beginning, Poe says this man is an alcoholic. A person today would read this story and assume the reason the guy is acting violent and strange is because of his drinking problem. A person living before the twenty-first century would read this story, and not focus on his alcohol problem. They would say a part of him is lost and once he did wrong, he essentially turned evil. In the story, the man was abusive to his wife and his cat when he was drunk. Today, spousal abuse is unacceptable, but not before the twentieth century. In that time frame, women were abused more often. Then along comes a second cat, which contained a patch of fur shaped like a gallows. In early times this was an acceptable form of killing, but today's readers would not be terrified as this is no longer the case.
Chapter 22 -- He’s Blind for a Reason, You Know
Chapter 23 -- It’s Never Just Heart Disease...
Chapter 24 -- ...And Rarely Just Illness
Recall two characters who died of a disease in a literary work. Consider how these deaths reflect the “principles governing the use of disease in literature” (215-217). Discuss the effectiveness of the death as related to plot, theme, or symbolism.
In Twilight, Edward becomes a vampire at the height of the Spanish Influenza outbreak of 1918. Edward and his parents were all infected and suffered as they faced the fact that they were all slowly dying. We aren't bothered by such things with today's technology, but the audience will automatically feel bad for those who had no choice but to fight for their lives with what little was available to help them back then. This takes care of Foster’s first principle, that not all diseases are created equal. Since Meyer gives vivid descriptions of them being pale, sickly, and ghostly looking, it is also picturesque. The origins of the disease are mysterious because of the fact that nobody really knew where the infection came from. These three only apply to the deaths of Edward’s parents. However, though the reason why Edward and his family get the disease and the deaths of his family are simply to work with the plot, it is also symbolic of Edward's transformation into a vampire. After being infected, nearly dying, and being turned into a vampire, Edward is doomed to a life of loneliness, instinct to constantly kill, insatiable blood lust, and believing that vampires don't even have an afterlife to look forward to.
Chapter 25 -- Don’t Read with Your Eyes After reading Chapter 25, choose a scene or episode from a novel, play or epic written before the twentieth century. Contrast how it could be viewed by a reader from the twenty-first century with how it might be viewed by a contemporary reader. Focus on specific assumptions that the author makes, assumptions that would not make it in this century.
In The Black Cat, a man who loves animals ends up killing his own wife and attempts to kill his pet cat. At the beginning, Poe says this man is an alcoholic. A person today would read this story and assume the reason the guy is acting violent and strange is because of his drinking problem. A person living before the twenty-first century would read this story, and not focus on his alcohol problem. They would say a part of him is lost and once he did wrong, he essentially turned evil. In the story, the man was abusive to his wife and his cat when he was drunk. Today, spousal abuse is unacceptable, but not before the twentieth century. In that time frame, women were abused more often. Then along comes a second cat, which contained a patch of fur shaped like a gallows. In early times this was an acceptable form of killing, but today's readers would not be terrified as this is no longer the case.
Chapter 26 -- Is He Serious? And Other Ironies
Select an ironic literary work and explain the multivocal nature of the irony in the work.
Select an ironic literary work and explain the multivocal nature of the irony in the work.
The Monkey's Paw contains many ironic moments throughout the story. In the beginning, before Mr. White makes his three wishes, he states that he has everything he wants. So it is ironic that he makes wishes despite this statement. Readers would probably expect the wishes to bring good luck because of intertextuality and other fairy tales indicating that they do. However, this is not the case. The wishes bring devastating outcomes. Mr. White's son dies at work, which is how they get the money they wished for. Ironically, the wishes left them more sorrowful than before. To reverse the first wish, the son's life is wished for but he returns as a monster. The mother ironically states that she would not be afraid of her own son, which she nursed. In the end, though, she is terrified of her monster son. The father ultimately wishes for his death, which is ironic of the stereotype of loving father.
Chapter 27 -- A Test Case
Read “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield, the short story starting on page 245. Complete the exercise on pages 265-266, following the directions exactly. Then compare your writing with the three examples. How did you do? What does the essay that follows comparing Laura with Persephone add to your appreciation of Mansfield’s story?
Read “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield, the short story starting on page 245. Complete the exercise on pages 265-266, following the directions exactly. Then compare your writing with the three examples. How did you do? What does the essay that follows comparing Laura with Persephone add to your appreciation of Mansfield’s story?
The story
signified the upper class seeing themselves as the only thing that
matters and being self indulged. Aside from Laura, the rest of her family doesn't care about the
working class man who died at all. Their fancy party was more
important than their neighbor’s death. This was a portion of the answer,
but not the answer in its entirety. At first glance, the Persephone comparison didn't click, but once I read the answers, I completely understood. Earlier in the chapters I wrote about Persephone so I was really surprised that I missed the connection, but I see it plainly now.
